The Mutende Project II

In July and August 2013, a team of 12 volunteers, including myself, will be travelling to the Mutende Children's Village in Zambia, Africa. Whilst there, we will be constructing a community hall to join the existing orphanage and school structures.

The aim is to create a flexible space that can be subdivided into individual classrooms as well as providing a large communal space which can serve the school and broader locality.

To raise the funds to make construction of the hall possible, I will be undertaking a number of fundraising events, from Cake Sales to an epic cycle ride across the country; this page will be updated as plans progress!

Anything you can give will help improve the lives of the children of the Mutende and the wider community. Thank you very much indeed in advance!

What is Orkidstudio?

The most basic of human needs is that of shelter.

Orkidstudio is a non-profit humanitarian design organisation whose focus is to benefit young people and communities worldwide through innovative and sustainable architecture, art and design. We believe that creativity has the power to inspire and instil pride within people regardless of race, nationality or circumstance and our aim is to explore the potential of architecture as a tool for relieving poverty and those affected by conflict or natural disaster.

Our work is centred on a culture of 'making' and craftsmanship through collaboration with local communities. Throughout this process we involve a broad range of students and professionals across creative and technical industries.

Following the success of our first venture, The Mukono Project in Uganda, our passion grew to use various skills to raise awareness about the potential of architecture in humanitarian work. Orkidstudio's construction projects are primarily aimed at helping young people, and during our time on site we run workshops in art, music, sport and assist with education. The children we work with are always kept at the heart of our work and, where safe and possible, involved in the development of the project. Often the design will include their artwork or crafts, helping to promote a strong sense of ownership and community spirit.

We have completed projects across Africa and South America and are always interested in hearing about new opportunities to help globally. Orkidstudio is also involved in the design and research of temporary and mobile structures for disaster relief housing and unstable settlements.

Please visit orkidstudio.co.uk for more information on the full range of our work.